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Does BT Vision have HD channels?

Our digital TV expert says...

Dear Alan, thanks for getting in touch with this great question. High-definition (HD) TV is everywhere now, and since the launch of the free-to-view service Freeview HD in March 2010, more homes than ever are making the switch to HD, in order to watch their favourite programmes in super sharp high-definition.

BT Vision (www.bt.vision.co.uk) is a digital TV service from telecoms giant BT, which gives users all the basic Freeview channels available in their area, as well as a host of on-demand TV programmes and movies, either via a monthly subscription or pay-per-view. BT Vision is only available to BT Total Broadband customers, so if you haven’t already got BT Total Broadband, you will have to sign-up to a broadband package first to get BT Vision.

Below is some information about the high-definition content available through BT Vision and on Freeview…

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BT Vision HD channels

Unfortunately, unlike rival TV providers Sky and Virgin Media, BT Vision doesn’t currently broadcast any specific HD channels, and you are unable to access Freeview HD channels with the set-top box.

However it does offer on-demand HD content, such as films and sports, through its viewing packs, either on a pay monthly or pay-as-you-go basis. Subscribers can access a range of programmes in high-definition if they have the Vision+ set-top box. All HD programmes will need to be downloaded onto the Vision+ box before they can be played.

To find out what’s available in high-definition on BT Vision each month, you can:

1. Press “On Demand” on your BT Vision remote control and then select “Film”, “Browse Vision Film” and then “HD”. The TV shows are listed in the option “TV Programmes in HD”.
2. If you press the blue button on your BT Vision remote control, you will be taken to the search menu. Type in “HD” and all the available HD titles will appear.
3. You can also find the HD titles on the BT Vision website.

To watch any content in high-definition, you’ll need a HD ready TV connected to the Vision+ box with a HDMI cable.

Freeview HD on BT Vision

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 all launched high-definition Freeview channels in 2010, in a limited number of locations around the UK. These channels will be rolled out nationally over the next few years and will be available to all UK homes in time for the Olympics in 2012.

For now, BT is unable to offer these channels on its Vision service, though it is working with the Vision+ box manufacturer to enable boxes to receive these HD channels.

BT says it will contact all its Vision customers when it has more information on this.

More information about HD TV

Our Complete Guide to HD TV is full of everything you need to know about HD TV, including how to get high-definition and what channels are available.

• Find out why HD is better than standard definition, know what to look for when choosing a HD ready TV, and follow our simple step-by-step plan to switching to high-definition.
• Split into three sections, our free guide covers everything you need to know to start watching your favourite programmes, sports and films super sharp HD TV

Ask us a question

If you have a general switching or provider query please email us at ourexpert@digitalchoices.co.uk